Deciduous teeth matrix jewelry and method of manufacture

ABSTRACT

The invention discloses jewelry made of disinfected, pulverized and chemically bonded primary teeth. The teeth are pulverized into two or more parts, located in a mold, and bonded with a bonding agent to form a tooth matrix that is shaped for connection to a jewelry frame. In another embodiment, a hollow interior of a deciduous tooth is filled with a bonding agent. The tooth is positioned in a mold with other tooth particles and bonded to form the tooth matrix. In another embodiment, the hollow interior and/or occlusal of a deciduous tooth is filled with a bonding agent to form a tooth matrix for mounting on a jewelry frame. A display side of the tooth is positioned adjacent to a display surface in a mold. A bonding agent fills the space between the tooth and the mold to form a solid tooth matrix. The solidified tooth matrix is machinable.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.12/699,476, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,226,877.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to jewelry, and more particularly to ajewelry made of human bone. One embodiment discloses jewelry made ofpulverized and recombined primary human teeth, or baby teeth. When aparent saves the baby teeth of his/her children, the teeth would bepartially or fully pulverized and bonded with a chemical bonding agentin a mold or pre-formed frame to create designs personalized to thefamily members. In another embodiment disclosed herein, processingimprovements are disclosed, including an embodiment in which the hollowinterior crown of the deciduous teeth is filled with a solidifyingbonding agent, and the tooth shaped to form a solid “tooth matrix” thatcan be mounted in a metal jewelry article as a gemstone would normallybe mounted.

2. Description of Related Art

None

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Jewelry made from the bones and teeth of animals has been known and madeand worn in early civilizations. From shark teeth to bear claws, man hasadorned his body with animal tissue for both necessity and vanity sincebefore written history. Even today, shark teeth are a popular necklace.It is believed the Vikings may have made jewelry from human teeth. Ithas also been known to string teeth together for attachment to anecklace. It has also been known in Costa Rica and Chile to set thesolid deciduous dentition pieces in gold or silver, to make a necklaceor earring.

What has not known to have been done is to manufacture jewelry fromprocessed human deciduous dentition, as in the manner disclosed. Thehardest thing in the human body is the enamel on the teeth. Like allmammals, humans have primary teeth and permanent teeth. Teeth beginbeing formed before birth.

Human teeth are very hard in order to withstand the grinding forcesassociated with chewing and crunching food. The hard material of thetooth is composed of calcium, phosphorus and other mineral salts. Thematerial in the majority of the tooth is called dentine. The hard, shinyexterior layer is the enamel.

Teeth have two basic parts; a root to anchor the tooth to the jaw and acrown above the gum line. The section where the crown meets the root iscalled the neck. The root is covered with a hard material calledcementum. At the center of each tooth is an area with nerves, arteriesand veins called the dental pulp.

Humans have four different types of teeth, each with a differentfunction: Incisors for cutting off bites of food; cuspids (with longsharp points) for tearing food; bicuspids (with two points) to tear andcrush food; and molars with large, relatively flat surfaces to crush andgrind food.

The four types of teeth together allow humans to be omnivores (eatingboth meat and vegetables). Most animals have more specialized teeth.Carnivorous (meat eating) animals have long sharp tearing teeth. Grazinganimals, like cows and horses, have large flat teeth for grinding grassand other vegetation. Deciduous dentition is also known as the primary,baby, milk, or lacteal dentition.

The term deciduous means “to fall off.” Although deciduous teeth are intime replaced by the succedaneous, or permanent, teeth, they are veryimportant to the proper alignment, spacing and occlusion of thepermanent teeth. The deciduous incisor teeth are functional in the mouthfor approximately five years, while the deciduous molars are functionalfor approximately nine years. They therefore have considerablefunctional significance. The progressive loss of deciduous teeth areconsidered an important milestone in the developmental phase ofchildhood.

The events are often marked by celebration, traditions and superstitionsaround the world. In the United States, tradition is based on tales ofthe Tooth Fairy. In Australia, mothers are once believed to have crushedtheir children's baby teeth and eaten the powder.

In some parts of the world, a child's baby tooth was placed in nestswhere rats or snakes were known to live because people believed evilwitches disliked those animals and wouldn't go near them. In many partsof the world, parents placed their children's teeth in mouse nests. Theythought that would result in a new tooth growing in the lost tooth'splace, just as a mouse's lost teeth somehow re-grew.

In other parts of the world, mothers hid their children's teeth fromanimals because they believed if an animal found the tooth, a tooth likethat animal's would grow in the mouth of the child. In parts of England,mothers at one time burned their children's baby teeth so that evilwitches couldn't get their hands on them and gain control of thechildren.

In the United States and elsewhere, it is common for parents to save, atleast for a while, the exfoliated baby teeth of their children as akeepsake of their childhood and development. The typical storage meansis a small envelope, or decorative box. One disadvantage of this methodof saving deciduous teeth is that the deciduous teeth are biologicallycontaminated. Another disadvantage of this method is that a small boxfilled with tiny teeth isn't significant as a keepsake, other than theorigin of the teeth themselves.

Another disadvantage of storing deciduous teeth is that the collectiveindividual teeth are easily lost or mixed up with the teeth of otherchildren. Another disadvantage of storing deciduous teeth is theirnatural geometry combined with bloodstains lacks the display appeal ofphotographs, gifts, letters, and other memorabilia.

Deciduous teeth are also very different from adult teeth in size, shape,number, and hardness. Each of these differences render the deciduousteeth far more difficult to work with in comparison to gem stones oradult teeth. In particular deciduous teeth cannot be readily shaped ormounted in their native state without crumbling.

A primary problem is that the deciduous teeth are contaminated withbloodstains and residual pulp that are difficult to remove. Asignificant difficulty in the process of shaping exfoliated deciduousteeth into jewelry is that they have resorbed roots, leaving only a thincrown with a hollow interior space. This renders the deciduous teethextremely brittle and not shapable with standard lapidary and machiningtechniques. Further, machining or hand shaping to a depth past theexterior wall exposes the hollow interior, thereby ruining the aestheticappearance of the article.

Another difficulty in modifying exfoliated deciduous teeth into jewelryor keepsakes is that the disinfecting process can make the teeth evenmore brittle, and subject to fracture.

Another difficulty in modifying exfoliated deciduous teeth into jewelryor keepsakes is that they often contain thin fractures that cause theteeth to fracture when handled, and may break if dropped even a fewinches onto a hard surface. Besides tending to cause the teeth tofracture when handled, the fracture lines will absorb the dye from aconventional lapidary doping wax used to hold the tiny teeth, ruiningthe appearance of the specimen.

Another difficulty in modifying exfoliated deciduous teeth into jewelryis their very small size, which makes them extremely difficult to handlefor cleaning or machining.

Another difficulty in modifying exfoliated deciduous teeth into jewelryis that the dentition varies significantly with gender, race, nutrition,and other factors, such that individual dentition will have varyingmachinability properties.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

As used herein, and in the parent patent to which this specification isrelated, the terms “dentition,” “deciduous dentition,” “deciduousteeth,” “primary teeth,” “milk teeth,” and “baby teeth,” are usedinterchangeably to refer to one or more human primary teeth.

As used herein, and in the parent patent to which this specification isrelated, the terms “permanent dentition,” “permanent teeth,” “secondaryteeth,” and “adult teeth,” are used interchangeably to refer to one ormore human secondary teeth.

As used herein, and in the parent patent to which this specification isrelated, the term “exfoliated” refers to the normal loss of baby teethafter the loss of their root structure.

As used herein, and in the parent patent to which this specification isrelated, the terms “disinfected” and “decontaminated” are usedinterchangeably to refer to the cleansing and removal of microorganismsfrom the tooth.

As used herein, and in the parent patent to which this specification isrelated, the terms “substantial” and “substantially” mean mostly.

As used herein, and in the parent patent to which this specification isrelated, the term “bonding agent” refers to the broad category of suchbonding agents, and may include one, or a combination of, dentalcements, dental adhesives, dental composites, and non-dental epoxies,adhesives, and glues.

As used herein, and in the parent patent to which this specification isrelated, the terms “jewelry frame,” and “jewelry framework” are usedinterchangeably, and include “bezels” of the type used to holdgemstones, which may be an integral part of the jewelry frame, or thatmay be separately connected or movably attached to the jewelry frame.

The history of jewelry is as old as the history of man. Styles andtrends come and go and come again. What is not found in this history isany event of persons wearing their deciduous teeth, or that of theirdescendants in the form of jewelry. While the notion sounds barbaric andcontrary to civilized norms to some, the inventor believes that it couldsymbolize the ultimate commitment of love and devotion a parent can havefor a child. The symbol exceeds the relevance of personal adornment,much as a Christian wearing a cross.

A primary advantage of the present invention is that it creates a newmaterial form of jewelry. Another advantage of the present invention isthat it creates a symbolic means of displaying family commitment in theform of jewelry. Another advantage of the present invention is that itprovides multiple and virtually unlimited opportunities to display thesymbols. Another advantage of the present invention is that it providesa value added means of keeping family baby teeth. Another advantage ofthe present invention is that it provides a novel personal materialcaptured in a jewelry frame.

Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a methodof manufacturing jewelry items from deciduous teeth that overcome theseveral obstacles presented by the small size, small number, variableshape, hollow configuration and brittle consistency of deciduous teeth.Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a methodof strengthening and shaping deciduous teeth so that unique and longlasting jewelry items can be made from the deciduous teeth.

Other advantages of the present invention will become apparent from thefollowing descriptions, taken in connection with the accompanyingdrawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, embodiments ofthe present invention are disclosed.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the deciduous dentition, orprimary teeth of one or more children, are provided. The dentition arepulverized into dentition particles. The dentition is disinfected beforeor after pulverizing. In an optional embodiment, the dentition particlesare bleached. In an optional embodiment, the dentition particles areetched. In another optional embodiment, the dentition particles are dyedto obtain a desired color. In an optional embodiment, the dentition ispulverized further into a dentition powder.

In a preferred embodiment, a form, or mold, is provided in the design ofthe jewelry item desired. The dentition particles are mixed with achemical bonding agent such as dental cement. The mixture of thedentition particles and chemical bonding agent forms a dentition matrix.The matrix is located within the form. In one embodiment, the formproduces a shape similar to a gem stone for mounting in a jewelryarticle. This will be referred to as a tooth matrix.

As stated above, the term bonding agent is intended to refer to thebroad category of such bonding agents, and may include one, or acombination of, dental cements, dental adhesives, dental composites, andnon-dental epoxies and glues. These products may be applied in separatesteps or collectively to fill voids in a deciduous tooth, or to fillvoids between separated portions or particles of one or more of thedeciduous teeth, and bond them together as a solid tooth matrix. Thevarious bonding agents may be self-curing, light curing, or acombination thereof. Since the exfoliated deciduous teeth will be usedfor jewelry, the bonding agent need not be limited to dental gradeadhesives, cements or restoration composite resins.

Optionally, an attachment may be located in the matrix to provide ameans for attaching the jewelry item to an earring, necklace, bracelet,or the like. Depending on the bonding agent used, specific curingconditions may be recommended to obtain the physical properties desiredin the bonded product.

In a preferred embodiment, the matrix is located in a pre-formed jewelryframe. An example of such an item would be a hollow cross. In thismanner, the cured matrix would bond to the jewelry frame, securing it inplace geometrically, structurally, and/or chemically. This methodprovides an interference fit potential with the frame to ensure thecured matrix will not dislodge from the frame.

In another preferred embodiment, the deciduous dentition is tumbled intopolished dentition particles, larger than a powder. In this embodiment,the dentition particles are mixed or coated with a chemical bondingagent. The mixture of the dentition powder and chemical bonding agentforms the dentition matrix. The matrix is located in a form orpre-formed frame for curing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings constitute a part of this specification and includeexemplary embodiments to the invention, which may be embodied in variousforms. It is to be understood that, in some instances, various aspectsof the invention may be shown exaggerated, enlarged or otherwisespatially modified to facilitate an understanding of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a flow chart of one embodiment of the process for making apiece of jewelry made in accordance with a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of an example of a piece of jewelry in theshape of a cross with pulverized deciduous dentition cemented in placewith a composite resin bonding agent.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of an example of a piece of jewelry in theshape of a heart with pulverized deciduous dentition cemented in placewith a composite resin bonding agent.

FIG. 4 is a chart illustrating approximate eruption of primary andsecondary teeth, for which the primary teeth are utilized in the presentinvention.

FIG. 5 is an occlusal side view of an exfoliated deciduous molar tooth,identifying various surfaces and structure of the deciduous molar.

FIG. 6 is a view of the exfoliated deciduous molar tooth, illustratedfrom the root-side view, opposite of the occlusal side view of FIG. 5,and identifying the structural features of the tooth.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart disclosing an alternative process for creating apiece of jewelry in which a display face is formed from multiple toothparts.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart disclosing an alternative process for creating apiece of jewelry in which the pulp chambers are filled with a bondingagent.

FIG. 9 is a drawing of the primary molar of FIG. 5, as viewed from theocclusal side, and illustrating the grooves substantially filled with asolidified bonding agent in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 10 is a drawing of the primary molar of FIG. 6, as viewed from theroot-side, illustrating the pulp chambers substantially filled with asolidified bonding agent in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 11 is a front view of a jewelry article having a shaped toothmatrix attached to a jewelry frame, in which the tooth matrix has adisplay surface comprised of tooth particle bonded together with asolidified bonding agent.

FIG. 12 is a front view of a jewelry article having a shaped toothmatrix attached to a jewelry frame, in which the tooth matrix iscomprised of multiple deciduous teeth or tooth parts bonded togetherwith a solidified bonding agent.

FIG. 13 is a front view of a jewelry article having a shaped deciduoustooth attached to a jewelry frame. In this embodiment, a surface of thetooth was selected as the display surface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following description is presented to enable any person skilled inthe art to make and use the invention, and is provided in the context ofa particular application and its requirements. Various modifications tothe disclosed embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled inthe art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied toother embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit andscope of the present invention. Thus, the present invention is notintended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is to be accordedthe widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosedherein.

Humans are diphyodont; they develop two sets of teeth during theirlives. The first set of teeth are the deciduous teeth; twenty smallteeth also known as baby teeth, milk teeth or primary teeth. Deciduousteeth start developing about two months after conception and typicallybegin to erupt above the gum line when a baby is six or seven monthsold. Occasionally a baby is born with one or more deciduous teeth, knownas natal teeth. By the time a child is six years old, a second set ofthirty-two larger teeth, called permanent teeth, start to erupt, or pushout of the gums, eventually replacing the deciduous teeth.

FIG. 1 is a flow chart illustrating the steps of creating jewelry inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In thisFigure, it is seen that the saved teeth may be decontaminated andwhitened in separate steps. It is also appreciated that it is possibleto accomplish this in a single step by bleaching the dentition. This hasthe benefit of reducing the rupture strength of the dentition. It ispossible to perform the disclosed steps in a different order, such aswhitening after pulverizing. It is also possible to add steps, such asfor coloring the dentition.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a piece of jewelry made in accordance witha preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of another piece of jewelry made in accordancewith a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the deciduousdentition (one or more primary teeth) of one or more children, areprovided. The deciduous dentition is identified and recorded with theperson from which they originated and maintained separately from thedentition of others. The dentition should be cleaned of visible bloodand debris and kept hydrated in tap water, saline solution, or otherpreservative solution. Extracted teeth, including deciduous dentition,are considered bio-hazardous waste and must be labeled and handledaccordingly.

In a preferred embodiment, the provided dentition are decontaminated.Known methods of storing and sterilizing extracted teeth include steamautoclave, freezing, gamma radiation, numerous liquid chemicals, andgaseous chemicals.

In a preferred embodiment, the exfoliated deciduous teeth aredecontaminated, such as by soaking in a chlorine or peroxide basedbleaching solution, or by autoclaving. Bleaching decontaminates andwhitens the dentition. Additionally, bleaching may soften the dentition,increasing its susceptibility to crushing.

For example, the deciduous teeth may be placed in a sealed specimencontainer with a sufficient amount of common household bleach (5.25% or6%), diluted to approximately 1:10 with tap water. In one embodiment,the bleaching solution is a chlorine or peroxide based bleachingsolution at appropriate concentration. Higher concentrations reduce thetime required to disinfect and whiten the teeth, but also increase therisk of reducing the strength of the teeth.

For example, hydrogen peroxide solution (H₂O₂), or sodium hypochlorite(NaOCl) may be used. Hydrogen peroxide is known to be affective atconcentrations above approximately 3%.

Sodium hypochlorite is a desirable disinfectant due to its efficacyagainst pathogenic organisms and pulp digestion. Its concentration foruse in conventional endodontic applications varies from 0.5% to 5.25%.At higher concentrations tissue dissolution is better but it alsodissolves desirable tissue.

As stated, it will be appreciated that other concentrations and chemicalformulations may be used to obtain a satisfactory result. For example,10% formalin may be used for decontamination and has tissue preservativeproprieties.

Alternatively, the dentition may be heat sterilized, as by autoclaving.It is also possible to both autoclave the dentition and separatelybleach it for whiteness, as illustrated in FIG. 1.

Thus, while various solutions at various concentrations are capable ofdisinfecting the exfoliated deciduous teeth, it is the procedural stepitself that is important to protect the workers handling the teeth, andto improve the appearance of the final product and the workability ofthe product by facilitating the removal of pulp related tissue.

For example, in one embodiment in which the teeth are not pulverized, bydisinfecting the deciduous teeth, the residual blood and pulp tissue canbe removed. This improves the quality of the final product, andimportantly, opens the tiny pulp cavity inside the exfoliated tooth sothat a bonding agent, such as a solidifying filler can be injected intothe pulp cavity. The solidifying filler may be a dental composite ofnon-dental industry epoxy. In a preferred embodiment, the solidifyingfiller is colored white, and preferable in a tone and translucencesimilar to that of the exfoliated deciduous tooth.

As a further example of the benefits provided by the present invention,shaping the solidified tooth matrix may expose contaminants beneath theenamel surface of the tooth. Disinfecting the tooth and filing voids inits structure ensures that the final shaped surface will consist ofclean, color compatible bonding agent, rather than voids andcontaminants.

In a first embodiment, the disinfected dentition is then partiallypulverized (broken into two or more smaller parts or particles). In oneembodiment, the particle sizes obtained are between −2 and 2 on the PHIparticle scale. This preferred range of particle size retains thenatural appearance and recognition of the deciduous teeth, but reducesit to a size small enough to position the particles within the space ofa jewelry framework for cementing. In an optional embodiment, thedentition is pulverized into a fine powder form. The powder may be mixedwith larger particles to create a solid appearance to the article whenreconstituted in a desired shape.

In an alternative embodiment, the exfoliated and pulverized pieces ofdeciduous teeth are disinfected after they are broken.

The dentition may also be etched with a chemical, such as a phosphoricacid gel. The etching, if performed, roughens the surface of theparticles, increasing the surface area and improving the adherence ofthe dental cement (or other bonding agent) to the particle surfaces.Etching may be performed before or after pulverization. In anotheroptional embodiment, the dentition particles (or powder) are dyed toobtain a desired color.

In a preferred embodiment, a form, or mold, is provided in the design ofthe jewelry item desired. The dentition particles are mixed with achemical bonding agent, such as dental cement or dental composite resin.Dental composite resins are types of synthetic resins known in thedental profession as restorative materials or adhesives. These bondingagents are used for the repair of teeth and the construction ofartificial teeth and are designed for attachment to tooth enamel.

The mixture of the dentition particles and the chemical bonding agent(such as a dental composite resin, or other bonding agent) forms adentition-adhesive matrix. The matrix is placed within the form so as tofill the void of the mold.

Optionally, a jewelry attachment may be located in the matrix to providea means for attaching the jewelry item to an earring, necklace,bracelet, or the like. Depending on the bonding agent used, specificcuring conditions may be recommended to obtain the physical propertiesdesired in the bonded product.

Curing of resins containing a photoinitiator is accelerated by exposureto light, such as ultraviolet light. For example, bonding agentscontaining compounds, such as amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) agents,are light-cured bonding adhesives. Precise curing procedures depend onthe bonding agent selected.

In one embodiment, the matrix is located in a pre-formed jewelry frame.An example of such an item would be the frame of a religious article,such as a cross. The frame is preferably a hollow metal structure. Inthis manner, the matrix would bond to the jewelry frame, securing it inplace geometrically and/or bonding chemically. This method provides aninterference fit potential with the frame to ensure the cured matrixwill not dislodge from the frame.

In an alternative embodiment, the dentition particles are located in themold first, and the adhesive is then introduced into the mold to fillthe voids between the pulverized dentition particles.

In another preferred embodiment, the deciduous dentition is partiallycrushed into a powder. In this embodiment, the dentition powder is mixedor coated with a chemical bonding agent prior to introduction into themold. The mixture of the dentition powder and chemical bonding agentforms the dentition matrix, which is then located into a mold form orpre-formed frame for curing.

In another preferred embodiment, the deciduous dentition is tumbled intopolished dentition particles, larger than a powder. In this embodiment,the dentition particles are mixed or coated with a chemical bondingagent. The mixture of the dentition powder and chemical bonding agentforms the dentition matrix. The matrix is located in a form orpre-formed frame for curing.

It is known that deciduous teeth are very dissimilar to permanent teethin a number of ways beyond the obvious size and number differences. Inparticular, whereas permanent teeth removed from the host may be denseand solid with extended roots, exfoliated deciduous teeth will likelyhave a lower density, comprising only a hollow crown due to naturalresorption of the roots. Residual pulp tissue and blood stains mayremain in the pulp cavity, making it difficult to remove.

Exfoliated deciduous teeth may also have surface fissures that increasethe brittleness of the teeth, and susceptibility to staining in thepresence of dyes or other chemicals. The deciduous teeth may have otherdefects and inclusions that are difficult to see.

The presently disclosed embodiment provides new procedures for adaptingto these several complexities of deciduous teeth, and use themadvantageously to provide new jewelry articles.

FIG. 4 is a chart illustrating approximate eruption of primary andsecondary teeth, for which the primary teeth are utilized in the presentinvention. The average child has only twenty primary teeth, includingjust eight primary molars.

FIG. 5 is a top view representation of an exfoliated deciduous molartooth 100. All that remains of molar 100 is the crown portion and a thinneck portion 132 (See FIG. 6) that formerly connected the crown to theroots.

In FIG. 5, molar 100 is viewed substantially towards an occlusal side110, and identifying other surfaces of molar tooth 100. From this viewit is seen that molar 100 has a facial side 112 and an opposite lingualside 114 which is the side adjacent to the tongue. A mesial side 116 isthe side of tooth 100 that faces the front of the mouth and center ofthe face. The distal side 118 is the side of tooth 100 that facesopposite to mesial side 116, and towards to back of the mouth. Thesefive sides form the crown of molar 100.

Occlusal side 110 is used for chewing food. Occlusal side 110 has anirregular surface formed by grooves 122 extending between cusps 120.Cusps 120 are the highest points of occlusal side 110. Grooves 122 formthe lowest points on occlusal side 110.

FIG. 6 is a root-side 130 view of the exfoliated deciduous molar tooth100, being illustrated from the side opposite occlusal side 110.Root-side 130 has no roots, since the roots of deciduous teeth areresorbed by the body as part of the exfoliation process. The interior ofmolar 100 is substantially hollow. Hollow pulp chambers 136 aresurrounded by dentin 134. When exfoliated, some tissue and blood islikely to be found in pulp chamber 136 on root-side 130, where the crowndetached from the resorbed roots at neck 132.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart outlining an alternative process formanufacturing a jewelry article in which a display surface 30 (FIGS.11-13) is formed from teeth 22 (FIGS. 11-12). Teeth 22 may beadvantageous mixed with smaller tooth parts 18 in this embodiment (notshown). In this embodiment, deciduous teeth (one or more primary teeth)of one or more children, are provided. The deciduous tooth obtained isdisinfected in accordance with any of the procedures disclosed herein,or by any other generally accepted procedure. In the next step, pulpchamber 136 is filled with bonding agent 20 (FIGS. 11-12). Bonding agent20 is then cured to form a solid tooth matrix 16. Bonding agent 20 maybe light cured, self-curing, or a combination thereof.

Solid tooth matrix 16 is now comprised of a display surface 30 andnon-display sides (not shown) behind and around display surface 30, andforming the remainder of the exterior of tooth matrix 16. If solid toothmatrix 16 has not been molded to its final shape, a non-display side oftooth matrix 16 is then shaped such as by cutting, sanding, or polishinguntil tooth matrix 16 obtains the shaped required for complementary fitinto jewelry frame 12. Such fit may be into a bezel 26 that is eitherintegral with, or connectable to jewelry frame 12.

The shaping of tooth matrix 16 may be performed by hand, but the presentinvention advantageously increases the strength of tooth parts 18 andteeth 22 such that tooth matrix 16 can be readily machined usingconventional lapidary equipment and technology.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart outlining an alternative process formanufacturing jewelry articles in which a deciduous molar 100 is used toprovide the display surface 30. In this embodiment, a deciduous molartooth 100 is provided. Molar 100 is disinfected in accordance with anyof the procedures disclosed herein, or by any other generally acceptedprocedure. In a subsequent step, pulp chamber 136 is filled with bondingagent 20 (FIGS. 6 and 10). Bonding agent 20 is then cured to form asolid tooth matrix 16.

Bonding agent 20 may be light cured, self-curing, or a combinationthereof. In another step which may be performed before or coincidentwith the step of filling of pulp chamber 136, grooves 122 of occlusalside 110 are substantially filled with bonding agent 20 (FIGS. 5 and 9).Bonding agent 20 is then cured to form a solid tooth matrix 16. Bondingagent 20 may be light cured, self-curing, or a combination thereof. Infilling pulp chamber 136 and groove 122, bonding agent 20 may be addedin layers, and cured between adding layers. This is beneficial in lightactivated curing to assure complete curing of the bonding agent. Also,additional tooth parts 18 may be added prior to adding a layer ofbonding agent 20, to strengthen the tooth matrix 16 and increase theconcentration of tooth matter in the tooth matrix 16.

As best seen in FIG. 13, a preferred display side 24 of the tooth isselected. As shown in FIG. 13, solidified tooth matrix 16 may have asingle tooth side 24 selected to be the display surface 30.

If sufficiently large, tooth matrix 16 (shown in FIGS. 11-13) may beshaped for connection to jewelry frame 12 such as by using conventionallapidary techniques and equipment. Shaped tooth matrix 16 is then bondedto jewelry frame 12 with bonding agent 20. For connection to jewelryframe 12, a simple adhesive or glue type bonding agent may be used.

If tooth matrix 16 (shown in FIGS. 11-13) is not large enough for shapedconnection to jewelry frame 12, it may be built-up with additionalbonding agent 20 and optionally with additional tooth parts 18. In thismethod, selected display side 24 is positioned in a mold (jewelry frame12) adjacent to the position of display surface 30 of the mold. Bondingagent 20 is placed (by injection or other means) between the mold andtooth matrix 16 and cured to provide a solid tooth matrix 16 that may beshaped for, or if properly shaped, directly connected to jewelry frame12.

It will be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art that theprocedural steps generally outlined in FIGS. 7 and 8 may be performed inother sequences and the same desired results may be achieved.

In another embodiment, a doping stick can be attached to tooth matrix 16on the side opposite display surface 30 to improve handling ofsolidified tooth matrix 16 during shaping procedures.

FIG. 9 is a drawing of occlusal side 110 of primary tooth molar 100,illustrating groove 122 substantially filled with solidified bondingagent 140, and made in accordance with the manufacturing procedures ofthe present invention detailed above.

FIG. 10 is a drawing of root-side 130 of primary tooth molar 100,illustrating pulp chambers 136 substantially filled with solidifiedbonding agent 140, and made in accordance with the manufacturingprocedures of the present invention detailed above. In the illustrationshown, some or all of the exposed portion of dentin 134 (See FIG. 6) hasalso been covered by bonding agent 140. The covering of all or part ofdentin 134 is optional.

FIG. 11 is a front view of a jewelry article 10 having a solidifiedtooth matrix 16. Tooth matrix 16 is comprised of deciduous tooth parts18 and a solidified bonding agent 20 interspersed between deciduoustooth parts 18. Bonding agent 20 bonds tooth parts 18 together and fillsvoids between tooth parts 18 to form a solid tooth matrix 16. Thisembodiment may be manufactured in accordance with the proceduresdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,226,877, and may include the additionalshaping procedures identified herein.

In the embodiment illustrated, tooth matrix 16 is rectilinear in shape,providing pairs of parallel sides connected by a display surface 30,which is viewed from the front when looking directly at jewelry article10. In the embodiment illustrated, tooth matrix 16 is shaped forcomplementary attachment to a bezel 26, which is an integral componentof jewelry frame 12 of the particular jewelry article 10.

Tooth matrix 16 may be formed and solidified in a remote mold, or injewelry frame 12 itself. In a preferred embodiment, tooth parts 18 areprearranged in the mold to create the most desirable display surface 30.The desirability of display surface 30 may depend upon the size, shape,quality, color, and collective arrangement of tooth parts 18. Thedesirability of display surface 30 also depends on maximizing thesurface percentage of tooth parts 18 to bonding agent 20.

The desired surface of tooth parts 18 will normally not include theroot-side 130. In a molar, the preferred display sides are often, butnot exclusively, facial side 112 and lingual side 114.

When tooth parts 18 are relatively small, they may be arranged randomlyto form display surface 30. When tooth parts 18 are larger,prearrangement becomes increasingly significant to the aesthetic qualityof jewelry article 10. For example, prearrangement of large tooth parts18 can minimize the percentage of bonding agent 20 visible on displaysurface 30 of tooth matrix 16.

In one embodiment, deciduous tooth parts 18 are substantiallydisinfected before bonding. This improves the color and quality ofjewelry article 10, and provides a safe working environment for themanufacturer of jewelry article 10.

In one embodiment, disinfected tooth parts 18 are arranged (deliberatelyor randomly) to form display surface 30. Bonding agent 20 is thenapplied to the back side of tooth parts 18. A low viscosity bondingagent is preferred so as to penetrate the small spaces between toothparts 18. Bonding agent 20 is then cured to form a solid tooth matrix16. Bonding agent 20 may be light cured, self-curing, or a combinationthereof.

In one embodiment, bonding agent 20 is applied in layers, with a curingstep between layers to ensure solidification. In another embodiment,additional tooth parts 18 are added prior to adding a layer of bondingagent 20. This process adds hardness to tooth matrix 16, andaccomplishes the desirable result of increasing the relativeconcentration of deciduous tooth material in tooth matrix 16. Thisprocedure is adaptable to any of the embodiments disclosed herein.

In one embodiment, bonding agent 20 is colored white to blend with toothparts 18. In one embodiment, bonding agent 20 is a dental composite. Inone embodiment, bonding agent is a commercial epoxy. In one embodiment,bonding agent 20 is substantially transparent. In an alternativeembodiment bonding agent 20 is colored to contrast with tooth parts 18.

Solid tooth matrix 16 is comprised of a display surface 30 andnon-display sides (not shown) behind and around display surface 30, andforming the remainder of the exterior of tooth matrix 16. If solid toothmatrix 16 has not been molded to its final shape, a non-display side oftooth matrix 16 is then shaped such as by cutting, sanding, or polishinguntil tooth matrix 16 obtains the shaped required for complementary fitinto jewelry frame 12. Such fit may be into a bezel 26 that is eitherintegral with, or connectable to jewelry frame 12.

Shaping tooth matrix 16 may be performed by hand, but the presentinvention advantageously increases the strength of tooth parts 18 suchthat tooth matrix 16 can be readily machined using conventional lapidaryequipment and technology. In one embodiment, display surface 30 of toothmatrix 16 is polished.

FIG. 12 is a front view of jewelry article 10 having a shaped toothmatrix 16 attached to bezel 26 of jewelry article 10. In thisembodiment, tooth matrix 16 is comprised of multiple deciduous teeth 22and may further include tooth parts 18 (not illustrated), bondedtogether with solidified bonding agent 40. This embodiment may bemanufactured in accordance with the procedures disclosed in U.S. Pat.No. 8,226,877, and may include the additional procedures identifiedherein, and particularly as outlined in FIG. 7.

In one embodiment, pulp chamber 136 of tooth 22 is filled with bondingagent 20 to increase the strength and eliminate voids in tooth 22 (SeeFIG. 7). This process reduces the likelihood that tooth 22 will breakapart when machined, and eliminates voids when tooth 22 is shaped beyondthe enamel or dentin structure.

In the embodiment illustrated, tooth matrix 16 is rectilinear in shape,providing pairs of parallel sides connected by a display surface 30,which is viewed from the front when looking directly at jewelry article10. In the embodiment illustrated, tooth matrix 16 is shaped forcomplementary attachment to a bezel 26, which is an integral componentof jewelry frame 12 of the particular jewelry article 10. Other shapes,such as hearts, circles and ovals can also be produced.

Tooth matrix 16 may be formed and solidified in a remote mold, or injewelry frame 12 itself. In one embodiment, a display side of a tooth 22is selected. The display side of teeth 22 will normally not include theroot-side 130. In a molar, the preferred display sides are often, butnot exclusively, facial side 112 and lingual side 114, as they are thelarger surfaces.

Selected display side of a tooth 22 is positioned adjacent to thelocation of display surface 30 in the mold (or frame 12). This helps tocreate the most desirable display surface 30. Tooth parts 18 may beadded to fill in any space between teeth 22. This has the desirableeffect of increasing the ratio of tooth 22 and tooth part 18 to bondingagent 20 at display surface 30, minimizing the amount of bonding agent20 visible on display surface 30.

In one embodiment, deciduous teeth 22 are substantially disinfectedbefore placement in the mold or frame. This improves the color andquality of jewelry article 10, and provides a safe working environmentfor the manufacturer of jewelry article 10.

In one embodiment, a disinfected tooth 22 is positioned such that aselected display side of tooth 22 adjacent to the display surface andone or more tooth parts 18 are arranged to form display surface 30.Bonding agent 20 is then applied to the back side of teeth 22 (and toothparts 18 if present). A low viscosity bonding agent is preferred so asto penetrate the small spaces between teeth 22 and tooth parts 18.Bonding agent 20 is then cured to form a solid tooth matrix 16. Bondingagent 20 may be light cured, self-curing, or a combination thereof.

In one embodiment, bonding agent 20 is applied in layers, with a curingstep between layers to ensure solidification. In another embodiment,tooth parts 18 are added after curing of a layer of bonding agent 20.This process adds hardness to tooth matrix 16, and accomplishes thedesirable result of increasing the relative concentration of deciduoustooth material in tooth matrix 16.

In a preferred embodiment, bonding agent 20 is colored white to blendwith teeth 22. Bonding agent 20 may be a dental composite or commercialepoxy or other bonding agent suitable to adhere to the enamel of teeth22. In one embodiment, bonding agent 20 is substantially transparent,providing a different appearance in which the tooth material isdistinguishable from bonding agent 20. In an alternative embodimentbonding agent 20 is colored to contrast with tooth parts 18.

Solid tooth matrix 16 is comprised of a display surface 30 andnon-display sides (not shown) behind and around display surface 30, andforming the remainder of the exterior of tooth matrix 16. If solid toothmatrix 16 has not been molded to its final shape, a non-display side oftooth matrix 16 is then shaped such as by cutting, sanding, or polishinguntil tooth matrix 16 obtains the shape required for complementary fitinto jewelry frame 12. Such fit may be into a bezel 26 that is eitherintegral with, or connectable to jewelry frame 12.

Shaping tooth matrix 16 may be performed by hand, but the presentinvention advantageously increases the strength of tooth parts 18 suchthat tooth matrix 16 can be readily machined using conventional lapidaryequipment and technology. In one embodiment, display surface 30 of toothmatrix 16 is polished.

FIG. 13 is a front view of jewelry article 10 having a shaped toothmatrix 16 attached to bezel 26 of jewelry article 10 In this embodiment,a single surface 24 of a deciduous tooth was selected as display surface30. This embodiment may be manufactured in accordance with theprocedures disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,226,877, and may include theadditional shaping procedures identified herein, and particularly asoutlined in FIG. 8, although it is not required that deciduous molar 100be used to achieve a display surface from a single deciduous tooth.Other deciduous teeth, such as the incisors and cuspids (canine teeth)may also be used in this manner, but they will provide a smaller toothmatrix 16 as a result of their smaller size.

In one embodiment, pulp chamber 136 of molar 22 is filled with bondingagent 20 to increase the strength and eliminate voids in tooth 22 (SeeFIG. 8). In another step which may be performed before or coincidentwith the step of filling pulp chamber 136, grooves 122 of occlusal side110 are substantially filled with bonding agent 20 (FIGS. 5 and 9).Bonding agent 20 is then cured to form a solid tooth matrix 16. Bondingagent 20 may be light cured, self-curing, or a combination thereof.

This process reduces the likelihood that tooth 22 will break apart whenmachined, and eliminates voids when tooth 22 is shaped beyond the enamelor dentin structure.

In this embodiment, and as can be seen in FIG. 13, tooth matrix 16 mayhave a single tooth side 24 serving as display surface 30. In anotherembodiment, a doping stick can be attached to tooth matrix 16 on theside opposite display surface 30 to improve handling of solidified toothmatrix 16 during shaping procedures. The doping stick may be attached totooth matrix 16 with an appropriate bonding agent 20. This embodiment isadaptable for any embodiment disclosed herein.

In the embodiment illustrated, tooth matrix 16 is rectilinear in shape,providing pairs of parallel sides connected by a display surface 30,which is viewed from the front when looking directly at jewelry article10. In the embodiment illustrated, tooth matrix 16 is shaped forcomplementary attachment to a bezel 26, which is an integral componentof jewelry frame 12 of the particular jewelry article 10. Other shapes,such as hearts, circles and ovals can also be produced.

If filled molar 100 lacks the size or geometry for complementary fitinto jewelry frame 12, a larger tooth matrix 16 of the desired geometrymay be formed and solidified in a remote mold, or in jewelry frame 12itself. In one embodiment, deciduous molar 100 or other tooth 22 issubstantially disinfected before placement in the mold or frame 12. Thisimproves the color and quality of jewelry article 10, and provides asafe working environment for the manufacturer of jewelry article 10.

In one embodiment, display side 24 of molar 100 is selected. Displayside 24 of molar 100 will normally not be root-side 130. In a molar, thepreferred display sides are often, but not exclusively, facial side 112and lingual side 114, as they are the larger and smoother surfaces.

Display side 24 of disinfected molar 100 is positioned adjacent to thelocation of display surface 30 in the mold (or frame 12). This helps tocreate the most desirable display surface 30. Tooth parts 18 may beadded to fill in any space between the mold and molar 100. Tooth partsmay also be added to bonding agent 20 when filling pulp chamber 136 andgrooves 122. This has the desirable effect of increasing the ratio oftooth material and tooth parts 18 to bonding agent 20.

Bonding agent 20 is then applied to the back side of molar 100, oppositedisplay side 24. A low viscosity bonding agent is preferred so as topenetrate the small spaces between molar 100 and any tooth parts 18.Bonding agent 20 is then cured to form a solid tooth matrix 16. Bondingagent 20 may be light cured, self-curing, or a combination thereof.

In one embodiment, bonding agent 20 is applied in layers, with a curingstep between layers to ensure solidification. In another embodiment,tooth parts 18 are added after curing of a layer of bonding agent 20. Asbefore, this process adds hardness to tooth matrix 16, and accomplishesthe desirable result of increasing the relative concentration ofdeciduous tooth material in tooth matrix 16.

Bonding agent 20 may be a dental composite or commercial epoxy or otherbonding agent suitable to adhere to the enamel of teeth 22. In eachembodiment disclosed herein, tooth 100, 22 or tooth parts 18, may beetched prior to bonding, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,226,877.

At this procedural point, filled molar 100 forms a solid tooth matrix 16having a display side 24 at display surface 30, and non-display sides(not shown) behind and around display surface 30, forming the remainderof the exterior of tooth matrix 16. If tooth matrix 16 has not beenmolded to its final shape, a non-display side of tooth matrix 16 is thenshaped such as by cutting, sanding, or polishing until tooth matrix 16obtains the shaped required for complementary fit into jewelry frame 12.Such fit may be into a bezel 26 that is either integral with, orconnectable to jewelry frame 12.

Shaping tooth matrix 16 may be performed by hand, but the presentinvention advantageously increases the strength of tooth parts 18 suchthat tooth matrix 16 can be readily machined using conventional lapidaryequipment and technology. In one embodiment, display side 24 of molar100 is polished.

As illustrated in the embodiments outlined in FIGS. 7 and 8, and asfurther detailed in FIGS. 11-13, tooth matrix 16 replaces traditionalgemstones in placement in jewelry article 10. The disclosed proceduresfor forming tooth matrix 16 create a deciduous tooth-based product thatis machinable by use of conventional lapidary shaping equipment andtechniques performed on gemstones.

In an alternative embodiment to those illustrated in FIGS. 11-13,jewelry frame 12 may have prongs for holding tooth matrix 16 in place,or by any other means by which a conventional gemstone is secured to ajewelry frame.

A novel aspect of the invention is that the filled and shaped deciduousteeth 22 (See FIGS. 12 and 13) and tooth matrices 16 (FIGS. 11-13) aredisplayed materially, but not in their natural geometry. Their aestheticappeal is derived from the recognition of the material and color in asubtle form that is intentionally contrasted from their normal geometricstructure. The subtle association of the jewelry article 10 to thefamily member who yielded the deciduous teeth enhances the value of thejewelry article 10, which is unlike any other available before thedisclosure of the present invention.

It will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that thedisclosures related to the various figures and embodiments can be mixedand matched to obtain desired results.

In another embodiment, (not illustrated) the foregoing disclosuresrelated to the various figures and embodiments are applied to a keepsakearticle that is not worn on the body. In this embodiment, one or moredeciduous teeth are provided and disinfected. The deciduous teeth arebroken into multiple parts. An inlay relief is formed on the keepsakearticle, such as a jewelry box. The tooth parts are located in the inlayrelief. A solidified bonding agent 40 is interspersed between the toothparts 18 to form a solid tooth matrix 16 inlay on the keepsake article.

While this invention has been described in connection with a preferredembodiment, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention tothe particular form set forth, but, on the contrary, is intended tocover such alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may beincluded within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by theappended claims.

I claim:
 1. A jewelry article comprising: a jewelry frame including atleast first and second surfaces; human body components consisting of atleast one deciduous tooth; the deciduous tooth having a root side, anopposite occlusal side, and a peripheral surface between them; the rootside having a substantially hollow pulp chamber; the occlusal sidehaving an irregular surface formed by grooves between cusps; asolidified bonding agent substantially filling the pulp chamber of theroot side and the grooves between the cusps on the occlusal side; and,the filled root side and filled occlusal side being shaped to providesurfaces which are complementary to the first and second surfaces of thejewelry frame; wherein the at least one deciduous tooth is mounted inthe frame so as to display at least a portion of the peripheral surfaceas a display surface.
 2. The jewelry article of claim 1, furthercomprising: the occlusal side and root side shaped to form substantiallyparallel surfaces.
 3. The jewelry article of claim 1, furthercomprising: the display surface having a rectilinear perimeter.
 4. Thejewelry article of claim 1, further comprising: the display surfacehaving a substantially circular perimeter.
 5. The jewelry article ofclaim 1, further comprising: the display surface having a heart-shapedperimeter.
 6. A method of making a jewelry article, comprising the stepsof: providing a jewelry frame including at least first and second framesurfaces; providing human body components consisting of at least onedeciduous tooth having a root side having a substantially hollow pulpchamber, an opposite occlusal side, and a peripheral surface betweenthem; non-destructively disinfecting the deciduous tooth; filling atleast part of the pulp chamber of the root side and the grooves betweenthe cusps on the occlusal side with a solidifying bonding agent; curingthe bonding agent to a substantially solid state thereby forming firstand second tooth surfaces; machining the first and second tooth surfacesto provide machined first and second tooth surfaces for complementaryfit with the first and second frame surfaces of the jewelry frame; and,mounting the at least one deciduous tooth in the frame so as to displayat least a portion of the peripheral surface as a display surface. 7.The method of making a jewelry article of claim 6, further comprising:applying the bonding agent in layers; and, curing each layer beforeapplying a subsequent layer.
 8. The method of making a jewelry articleof claim 7, further comprising: adding tooth parts between layers ofbonding agent.
 9. The method of making a jewelry article of claim 8,further comprising: curing the bonding agent between applications oflayers of the bonding agent.
 10. The method of making a jewelry articleof claim 8, further comprising: adding tooth parts onto a cured layer ofbonding agent; interspersing bonding agent over and between the toothparts; and, curing the bonding agent.